I received free product and compensation from Natural Vitality for this post. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for your support of My Healthyish Life!
In the lengthy process of healing my gut, which has included fighting flare-ups, I’ve tested countless products, foods and techniques to help ease my symptoms. It’s been trial and error finding what works for me because, you guessed it, it’s all individual. (That might be my new tagline because I say it so often). Not all have been successful, but I think it’s beneficial to learn about different remedies because you never know a) what will help and b) when/if you’ll need them.
These remedies haven’t necessarily healed my gut, but they have helped me live more comfortably and reduce stress, which definitely plays a role in how I feel. Even though the science fascinates me, I’m obviously not a doctor or medical practitioner so I’m going to stay away from the super technical stuff and diagnosing (for your own good).
All of this to say I hope to give you some suggestions and honest experience for how I reduce inflammation, stress and ease pain. Side note: these are in addition to the holistic supplements and specific recommendations from my doctor.
How I Reduce Stomach Pain & Inflammation
Meditation + Yoga
Gisele Bundchen meditates, so I meditate. End of discussion.
But really…
When I started seeing my holistic doctor, one of the first things she recommended was implementing a regular meditation and yoga practice. I had the yoga thing down but meditation was (and still is) new to me. I know that many people hear the word “meditation” and immediately counter with “OMG I’m too busy! I can’t sit still! I hate being quiet!” Blah, blah, blah. Those replies aren’t badges of honor.
My “practice” isn’t much of anything…just sitting for a few minutes in the morning and/or at night, closing my eyes and breathing. So incredibly simple but often overlooked. Sometimes it’s better with a guide (here’s a 7-minute meditation) but if you feel comfortable alone, go for it.
Eating anti-inflammatory (and finding offending foods)
Throughout my healing process food has been the biggest variable. I love to eat and hate the idea of unnecessary restriction, but sometimes things just don’t sit well with you…or me, in this case. I’ve toyed with the idea of getting a detailed food sensitivity (blood) test, but those are crazy expensive. Instead, it’s experimenting and evaluating…and re-experimenting and re-evaluating.
I’ve also found that eating nightshade-free and limiting high offending FODMAP’s has helped ease my symptoms. I’d be happy to talk more about nightshades, FODMAP’s and food in a future post (let me know!), but here are two thorough sources that summarize the concepts in the meantime: Nightshades; FODMAP’s.
In addition, two anti-inflammatory spices I use regularly: turmeric and ginger. I use turmeric to season vegetables and eggs and use it to make golden milk. I add ginger to chicken dishes, vegetables, tea and drink it in kombucha.
Essential Oils
Earlier this year my mom introduced me to essential oils. She bought me a diffuser, which sits right by my “work space” at the kitchen table, and lavender and lemongrass oils. A little about aromatherapy…aromatherapy uses essential oils made from flowers, seeds, herbs and roots to prompt the brain to initiate different psychological functions. Different oils elicit different responses. It is known to relieve pain, fight depression, improve blood pressure and reduce stress.
Lavender and lemongrass both promote good digestion. Needed.
Natural Calm
I’m typically a sleep-anywhere-anytime kind of girl. Airplanes, cars, beds, floors, you name it, I’ll sleep there. However, throughout the last few months I’ve had a harder time decompressing at the end of the day. Whether it’s because of stomach pain, indigestion or just an influx of emotions, falling asleep isn’t the breeze it once was. Earlier this year when I first mentioned my stomach problems, many of you, along with my cousin, suggested taking Natural Calm. Since then it has become a regular fixture in my life/diet/routine, even more-so during a flare-up. So, thank YOU for helping me feel a bit better ;)
What is Natural Calm?
Produced by Natural Vitality, Natural Calm helps restore magnesium levels and balance calcium intake. It’s known as the “anti-stress drink!”
Magnesium? Why does that matter?
“Magnesium helps your muscles and nerves function properly; it keeps your heart rhythm steady, supports a healthy immune system and also assists in keeping your bones strong. This essential mineral helps regulate blood sugar levels, promotes normal blood pressure and is required for producing and storing energy.” (source: Natural Calm)
How to use it
It comes in a powder form and you simply dissolve it in 2-3 oz of hot water before drinking (after dissolving you can add more hot or cold water). There are five different flavors, I use the original and Raspberry-Lemon. I’ll admit, it’s not the best taste right off the bat (the flavors help) but you can add honey or lemon to make it go down easier.
Actually, the Natural Calm site suggests adding it to things like smoothies, popsicles and snacks to mask the taste…so I tried that out! I used the raspberry lemon in a berry-banana smoothie and didn’t know it was in there. Next time I’ll probably use the original flavor. However, there is a calming effect, pun intended, with my nightly ritual: hot water with Natural Calm and a lemon.
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There you have it…four things that help keep me (and my stomach) sane and happy. Again these remedies aren’t healing my gut directly, but their restorative and stress-relieving properties have been a positive addition to my life.
I need to get back to do my yoga. I have been a bit scare to after the SIJ pain the past few weeks, but I would love to get back to it!
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Words : Turning Negative Triggers into Positive Catalysts
Go to a gentle/slow-flow class first!
I’d love a future post about FODMAP foods and Nightshades, as I have a few friends with IBS and Crohn’s. I personally like meditation a lot but I don’t find myself EVER doing it haha! I use the same excuses but I really need to be more mindful and practice. Love the idea of Natural Calm and I’ll definitely have to try it. :)
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I will start working on the FODMAP/nightshade post!
Natural Calm is a great and simple way to get some centering and balance, especially before bed. Combine with meditation and it’s a double whammy of good stuff ;)
Meditation has never worked for me…I’ve tried…many times! Yoga, of course, you know I’m all about, haha but not meditation!
I have been eating lots of “offending foods”…and suffering the consequences :P
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It’s hard in the summer because so many of the best foods are high in FODMAPs. It’s been a lot of picking and choosing each day :(
I have been looking into getting a diffuser lately. I think it would help using it while I am sitting at my desk, especially when I am up late getting school work done and need to de-stress before trying to fall asleep. I think I may try it out — do you have a particular brand you use?
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It’s so nice to have close by! Right now I’m using the NOW brand of oils/diffuser, because that’s what is sold locally here. I’m looking into Doterra, but that’s a monthly service I think.
Yay for finding things that work – at least most of the time! Taking magnesium definitely helps me, as well, and I really need to get back to regular yoga. My other favorite supplements are L-theanine for stress and Iberogast for stomach pain/bloating (it is gross, but if you put it in a tiny amount of water and take it like a shot… no big deal).
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday recently posted…Thinking Out Loud #57
Haha I was on a supplement that tasted super gross so I decided to take it like a shot too! Whatever works ;)
This was so helpful! Thank you! I’m considering a low FODMAP diet and love hearing your perspective!
I’m so glad! I will work on a FODMAP post…such an overlooked topic in the IBS/stomach pain world.
I’ve never tried Natural Calm before, but it’s a good product to know about! :) I think that doing yoga to reduce stress and finding offending foods are both super important. Recently I’ve discovered that eating dairy-free alleviates most of my hormonal issues–but I never would have learned that, had I not done some serious experimenting. It’s hard to get over the fear of being judged for your diet, but so worth it! I would love to see a post about nightshades as they bother me, too, but I have no idea why.
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Claire- thank you for your comment! It’s taken me a while to get over the fear of not being judged for my diet (I’m still not completely over it). As long as you know you are doing what’s best for you…all that matters. I will work on the nightshade/Fodmap post!
It’s funny, I relax best when I take a more intense yoga practice. It seems counterintuitive but that’s when I’m able to fully settle into savasana. Although the rooftop yoga class I took this morning was pretty relaxing… I’ve never tried the meditation thing but it’s amazing how much things like yoga and meditating can improve your physical wellbeing!
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No I get that! Completely. I like when I can first do the “harder” work and then decompress in mediation/savasana. That rooftop class looked incredible.
This is a great post. I have stomach issues myself and what I’ve been trying now is to drink hot water with lemon in the morning and meditate for a few minutes in the morning. It’s hard but it’s a start!
It does take some getting used to, but slow mornings have become so special for me!
I love meditation and incorporating just some minutes of it even in a yoga class. I also really like Natural Calm-I need to start taking it regularly again.
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One of my favorite yoga instructors leads us through a guided meditation at the end of class. Best of both worlds!
I hear awesome things about essential oils and my step-mom is super into them. There’s literally a use for everything with them!
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Seriously! I know someone who rubs a certain essential oil on their throat when they feel like they are getting sick. That’s all they do and it works!
These are great tips! I have gastroparesis, and flare-ups come often and intensely. I’ve learned to use most of these tricks in my daily routine. My favorite thing to calm myself and my stomach a little is to take a hot bath using lavender essential oils and I put a little bit on my pillow afterwards before I go to sleep. It helps SO much! Thanks for sharing this!
Stephanie | drunkonvogue.com
I have gastroparesis too! It’s tough, especially because there isn’t a cure-all. Lavender is my favorite oil/scent and I think its properties are so healing.
I’ve been struggling with a flare up of stomach pain (99% sure its related to stress since being abroad = lots of stress for me) recently. So this is perfectly timed! I need to try meditation. It has been recommended to me countless times but I never make it a priority. I also find that journaling even just a little bit each day has de-stressing effects for me.
Oh yes I can imagine traveling has impacted how you feel…in so many ways! I agree with journaling too! I keep one by my bed but it doesn’t get enough use.
I love laying on the floor of our bedroom and meditating on one or two verses of Scripture. It really centers my mind on what matters because everyday I’m just learning how much the change of mind and heart really leads to the way we act.
And I have such a weird stomach, that I’m thinking this may be a really good idea for me… Em, I am so thankful that you have used your struggles with allergies and stomach issues to help others. That really speaks to your love for others. <3
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Couldn’t agree more! It doesn’t have to be a long time, just a few minutes of centering yourself can lead to peace of mind.
I’ve never tried meditating but am really trying to get to a regular yoga practice with stretching and deep breathing both for the physical benefits and mental reasons. I always tell myself I’ll roll out my mat for 20 minutes each evening after dinner and then just never do – I could go to classes but I’m always running around doing stuff on weekends, and then I say that it’s cheaper to DIY, but I think I may need the motivation a class environment entails.
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I agree, sometimes it just doesn’t get done if I’m not in a class environment. I typically have much better, more fluid practices in a studio.
I love these ideas! I’m almost done with my first round of Whole 30 and I am also trying to avoid night shades. I learned about them about half way through. I love the differences I’m noticing.
I should try to start doing yoga – when I used to do it I loved it!
I also would love to know more about the brand/types of essential oils you use. I’ve wanted to learn more but get so overwhelmed each time!
Congrats on almost finishing! I would be happy to put a post together, but in the mean time, I’m using the NOW brand of essential oils (https://www.nowfoods.com/essential-oils/essential-oils-all-products). They sell them at many natural food/health stores. This is a good article that summarizes the different types of oils and what they do…https://draxe.com/essential-oils-guide/.
I am looking into switching to Doterra, which is a subscription/monthly-payment service I think.
We sell that at GNC! I have been wanting to try it, just nervous of the taste haha. Yoga and meditation is a huge help for me in reducing stress. Certain yoga poses are great for digestion (all the twists) so that helps me too!
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Haha yea the taste of the drink makes it hard to swallow (literally). But adding some lemon or honey (or just gulping it down) helps. I agree that the twisting poses are so helpful!
Finding problem foods and eliminating them from my diet was definitely the biggest change to my gut! After being diagnosed with coeliac disease I thought that a gluten free diet would be a cure-all, however, little did I know that I had a heap of random food intolerances (that really followed no pattern – sorry FODMAPs and nightshades and whatever else) that were causing my pain and issues and it wasn’t until I eliminated them that my stomach really started to heal!
I am totally intrigued by that drink!
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It’s so discouraging that just being GF isn’t enough to make most celiacs feel better. I don’t think a lot of people understand that either! It’s so individual and requires a lot of time and experimentation.